Lipsi: Networking and Prevention for Children's and Adolescents' Mental Health on a Remote Island

Between January 26 and February 2, 2026, Lipsi hosted a joint initiative by the Mobile Medical Units (MMU) of the NGO "Regeneration and Progress" and the Childr & Adolescent Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI), both supported exclusively by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).

The goal of CAMHI's presence was to strengthen prevention, early detection, and mental health support for children and adolescents on the island.

Lipsi is a small Aegean island in the Dodecanese island group, with a permanent population of just a few hundred residents. Its geographic location and the small size of the community make access to specialized health services particularly difficult. The nearest area where specialized therapies are available is Leros, which has a speech therapist. Meanwhile, the number of children on the island decreases year by year and its schools are shrinking — a reality that casts a shadow over an otherwise vibrant and exceptionally welcoming community.

Training the educational community, in the beautiful kindergarten of Lipsi

During the stay on the island, Efi Kapsimalli, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and member of CAMHI's scientific committee, held three meetings. The first, on Friday, February 27, at the kindergarten premises, brought together teachers from all school units: 4 out of 5 elementary school teachers, 8 out of 15 from the junior-senior high school, and both kindergarten teachers. The meeting focused on informing participants about CAMHI's program, and specifically about the training program "Mental Health Literacy" for school staff. On Saturday, February 28, two further activities took place: at the Lipsi Multi-Specialty Clinic, a meeting was held with the on-duty physician and 2 of the 3 nurses, presenting the training program on "Mental Health Screening for Children and Adolescents" aimed at health professionals. Later, again at the kindergarten premises, a talk was organized for a group of parents on the topic of "Self-esteem, self-confidence, and psychological resilience — the role of parents."

"The response from the local community was meaningful and confirmed that, in small island communities, mental health care is not just about services — it is above all about relationships, trust, and collaboration," noted Ms. Kapsimalli, adding: "Being present in the field allows for a better understanding of real needs, strengthens the connection between health and education, and lays the groundwork for more sustained forms of support in the future."

Lipsi stands as a characteristic example of local governance with serious infrastructure projects and a clear commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit all. At the same time, it vividly illustrates the challenges faced by remote islands: limited medical and nursing staff, a shortage of specialized therapists, and a shrinking school population. The presence of interdisciplinary teams in these communities, therefore, carries particular weight.

The joint presence of CAMHI and the Mobile Medical Units represents one more step toward more equitable access to mental health prevention and care for children and adolescents, regardless of where they live.

CAMHI's program is developed and implemented by a nationwide network of public-sector mental health organizations and professionals, in collaboration with the Child Mind Institute (New York) and with the support of the Ministry of Health. The Children & Adolescent Mental Health Initiative is supported exclusively by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) as part of the SNF's Global Health Initiative (GHI).
The Mobile Medical Units (MMU) are an initiative undertaken by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) in collaboration with the Health Units S.A. (AEMY S.A.), within the framework of the National Primary Health Care Program, implemented by the NGO Regeneration & Progress under the scientific supervision of the 1st Orthopedic Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.